1948 Pontiac Streamliner Deluxe 8 ‘Silver Streak’
Automatic transmission technology reached a milestone in the American automotive industry when Pontiac became the third General Motors division to offer the revolutionary Hydra-Matic Drive in 1948.
Of the 160,000 Streamliners built that year, an impressive 120,000-ish were equipped with this four-speed automatic transmission (vs the standard 3-speed manual), demonstrating immediate consumer acceptance of the shift-free driving experience. These transmissions were mated to a 249 cubic inch (4.1L) inline eight-cylinder producing 104 horsepower.
The Silver Streak name referenced the distinctive chrome strips adorning the hood, a styling element that had defined Pontiac design since the mid-1930s. Built on a 122-inch wheelbase, the Streamliner featured fastback styling and was positioned as Pontiac’s larger, more expensive model line above the Torpedo series.
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